Looking for a therapist can be a frustrating experience. Sometimes there are long wait lists, it can be hard to know where to look, and a lot of them use so many terms on their profiles that may not make sense to someone who’s never been to therapy. It can be even more complicated when you’re looking for a therapist not for yourself but for your child. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) sounds nice, but what is it, exactly?
What is Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)?
Considering it involves the word “play” in it, it’s fair to assume some form of play is involved. This type of therapy is best used with children aged 3-10 and focuses on allowing them to play as a form of expressing themselves and processing problems. Sometimes it can be difficult for children to be able to express what has happened to them or is currently happening to them that could be contributing to various mood or behavior problems. This can be either because of lack of verbiage for the feelings or situations or because of other problems.
By allowing a child to engage in play, it helps them process through these things in a way that is safer for them. CCPT also focuses on letting the child lead the play themselves with the therapist only intervening if play becomes too fantastical. This not only allows the child to fully express themselves but can also empower them to find solutions to their own problems.
What is CCPT Used For?
Child-centered play therapy is primarily used for children who are having some sort of behavioral or mood problems. It is also frequently used for children who are having a difficult time with social skills or relating to others. It is a form of therapy that requires training and also for the therapist to be patient and work with the child.
How Do I Know if This is Right for my Child?
With therapy, it’s difficult to say which modality is wrong or right for any particular client. Connections with specific therapists will also vary. Not every therapist is right for every client and that personal connection and therapeutic relationship is what makes for successful therapy. The only way to know for certain is to try it and see how your child connects with their therapist and how they respond to the modality that is being used by that therapist.
Where Can I Find a Therapist?
At Compassionate Counseling, we have Jocelyn and Samantha who utilize child-centered play therapy with young clients. You can also filter therapists on Psychology Today by what forms of therapy they use in their work.
